Ofcom UK Make More 5.8GHz Spectrum Available for Wireless Broadband

Broadband Fixed Wireless Access (BFWA) ISPs could soon be able to offer faster connection speeds after Ofcom today confirmed their decision to release an extra 20MHz notch of radio spectrum in the 5.8GHz band (5725-5850MHz) for use by related internet access providers.

At present BFWA services are restricted from using the frequencies between 5795-5815MHz in order to protect road tolling systems, although in July 2017 the regulator found that such systems only make light use of these frequencies in the United Kingdom (here).

Indeed there are just 7 road tolling systems using 5.8GHz and freeing up the 20MHz notch could actually have a more positive impact on wireless broadband ISPs than some may expect (e.g. enabling ISPs to accommodate six 20MHz channels and three 40MHz channels).

Overall Ofcom received 21 responses to their summer consultation and most respondents supported the proposal, although several groups did raise concerns about impacts on road tolling and amateur use in the 5.8 GHz band. “We have carefully reviewed these responses but do not consider that these have identified new information or substantive issues which give us cause to revise our proposal,” said the regulator.

The change has been introduced with effect from today and those with existing BFWA licences should be contacted shortly.

Ofcom’s 5.8GHz Decision
https://www.ofcom.org.uk/../improving-access-5.8-ghz-broadband-fixed-wireless-access